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The first part of the procedure for installing drywall is attaching the 4-by-8-foot sheets to the framing. The second part -- finishing with drywall joint compound, or mud -- is akin to plastering. Virtually anyone can do it, but professionals use a variety of techniques and tools to get the best results. They also use different kinds of joint compound because the all-purpose variety isn't the best product for every job. Besides using mud to tape joints, thus creating a smooth, continuous surface, drywallers also use it to create a variety of texture patterns.

1

Open a bucket of premixed, all-purpose joint compound and stir the contents thoroughly with a drill and a stirring paddle. You can also mix powdered joint compound with water. If you choose to use powdered mud, add water while you stir to make a mixture that is thick enough to remain on your drywall blade when you turn it over. Transfer some joint compound into a mudding trough.

2

Finish a butt joint by applying a continuous coat of mud over the joint with a 4-inch drywall blade. Tear a length of paper drywall tape from a roll that is long enough to cover the joint, moisten it and lay it on the mud.

3

Scrape the excess mud from under the tape by holding the knife at a 45-degree angle, running it over the tape and pressing the tape into the wall. Transfer the excess mud back to the trough.

4

Apply another coat of mud over the tape immediately and scrape it flat with the knife. Cover all the screw or nails heads with a coat of mud at the same time and scrape it flat.

5

Tape inside corners by spreading mud on each side of the corner, folding the tape lengthwise and laying it on the mud. Scrape both sides of the tape, then apply a topcoat and scrape it.

6

Finish outside corners with metal or plastic corner beading. Attach the beading to the drywall with screws, nails or adhesive and lay a coat of mud on both sides of the corner. Draw the knife along the corner of the beading to flatten the mud.

7

Topcoat two or three times with increasingly wider knives, gradually flattening the seams, corners and nail or screw heads. Let each coat dry overnight before you apply the next. You'll get the best results if you topcoat with topping compound, which is a lighter variety of joint compound that is easier to apply and scrape.

8

Sand the final coat with 120-grit sandpaper and a sanding pole. Shine a work light obliquely on the wall while you're sanding to get the seams as flat as possible.

Things You Will Need

All-purpose or powdered joint compound

Drill

Stirring paddle

4-, 6-, 8- and 10-inch drywall blades

Mudding trough

Paper drywall tape

Plastic or metal corner beading

Screws, nails or adhesive

Topping compound

Pole sander

120-grit sandpaper

Work light

Tips

After sanding the final coat, you can use joint compound to create a texture. Texture patterns vary according to whether you roll the texture with a paint roller, spray it with a manual sprayer or apply it with a drywall knife.

About the Author

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies.